Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G vs. Huawei Pura 70
1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Pura 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 165.1 × 75.6 × 8.9 mm | 157.6 × 74.3 × 8 mm | The Pura 70 is more compact and pocketable, the S21 Ultra is larger, which can be a pro if you prefer large screens but can also be less comfortable to hold and carry. |
| Weight | 227g | 207g | The Pura 70 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and less tiring to hold over long periods. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Pura 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 6.8" | 6.6" | The S21 Ultra provides a slightly larger viewing area, which may be preferred for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1440x3200 | 1256x2760 | The S21 Ultra offers a sharper display, resulting in crisper text and images, especially noticeable for detailed content or VR use. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 515 | 460 | The S21 Ultra has a higher pixel density, providing a more refined and detailed visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | OLED | Both displays use similar, high-quality display technologies, expect good colour accuracy, contrast and deep blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Both provide smooth scrolling and animations, which enhances the user experience for games and general navigation. |
| Brightness | 1500 nits | 2500 nits | The Pura 70 offers substantially better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight due to higher brightness. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Pura 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Kirin 9000S1 | Both provide high performance but with different architectures, the Pura 70 is a newer processor with slightly improved efficiency. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,000 | 768,000 | Both phones offer comparable performance levels suitable for demanding tasks like gaming and heavy multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Maleoon 910 | Different GPUs mean varying performance in graphics-intensive applications and games. Specific performance varies depending on the application. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Pura 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4900mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, expect comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 65W Fast Charging | The Pura 70 charges much faster, reducing downtime and inconvenience while the S21 Ultra has slower charging times. |
| Features | 15W Wireless, 9W Reverse Wireless, No in-box charger | 50W Wireless, 7.5W Reverse Wireless | Pura 70 offers significantly faster wireless charging which is convenient while the S21 Ultra includes reverse charging which can be used to charge other accessories on the go. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Pura 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera | 108MP, f/1.8, 1/1.33", 0.8µm | 50MP, f/1.4, 1/1.3", 1.2µm | S21 Ultra has a higher resolution sensor, while the Pura 70 has larger pixels for improved low-light performance and a wider aperture which allows more light into the camera. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | 10.8MP, f/2.4, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | N/A | The S21 Ultra has an extra lens for telephoto and portrait shots giving it flexibility for zoom and portraits. |
| Selfie Camera | 44MP, f/2.2, 1/2.65", 0.7µm | 13MP, f/2.4 | The S21 Ultra has a much higher resolution for detailed selfies while the Pura 70 has a lower resolution which may not capture the same detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | 10.8MP, f/4.9, 1/2.65", 1.22µm | 12MP, f/3.4 | The Pura 70 has a slightly higher resolution and wider aperture which will allow more light into the camera and better zoom performance. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 13MP, f/2.2 | The Pura 70 offers a dedicated wide-angle lens allowing you to capture expansive scenes. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm | N/A | The S21 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle and macro lens providing more versatility in macro and wide-angle shots. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 4K | The S21 Ultra captures higher resolution videos which can be more useful for professional or creative projects. Both include stabilization features. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | Main 115 (Photo 121, Video 100) | Not Tested | The S21 Ultra has a measured DXOMark score and photo score which can be used as a benchmark, no tests available for Pura 70. |
| DXOMark (Selfie) | Main 135 (Photo 133, Video 140) | Not Tested | The S21 Ultra has a measured DXOMark score and photo score which can be used as a benchmark, no tests available for Pura 70. |
| Features | 8K, Quad, Laser AF | Triple, Ultra Stable Video, CDAF, LAF, Dual Front | S21 Ultra offers 8K recording, laser autofocus and a dedicated macro and wide-angle lens. The Pura 70 includes triple camera setup and added stability, plus extra autofocus features and dual front cameras, indicating flexibility in video and autofocus. |
Software, Connectivity, Storage, Audio, Security & Build
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G | Huawei Pura 70 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Unknown, potentially based on Android | The S21 Ultra offers a confirmed update path to Android 15 while the OS for the Pura 70 is unknown, impacting long-term software support and features. |
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Both have the latest Wi-Fi standard for fast data transfer and stable network connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE with multiple profiles | Bluetooth 5.2 with LDAC, AAC | Both have advanced bluetooth standards, the S21 Ultra has additional features for high quality streaming over bluetooth. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, QZSS, GLONASS, BeiDou, NavIC, Galileo | The Pura 70 supports more satellite systems, offering better positioning accuracy, especially in urban and congested environments. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIM cards, allowing users to manage multiple lines. |
| Internal Storage | 128/256/512GB | 256/512/1024GB | The Pura 70 offers a 1TB storage option and therefore a higher maximum internal storage capacity. The S21 Ultra comes in the lower 128 GB storage variant. |
| RAM | 12/16GB | 12GB | The S21 Ultra can come with more RAM for better multi-tasking and memory performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones do not support expandable storage, limiting potential upgrades. |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation mic, Stereo Speakers | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The S21 Ultra provides a better audio experience with Hi-Res audio support and a noise-canceling microphone. |
| Security | Fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensor | Both have basic fingerprint sensors for user authentication. |
| Build Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 Ultra uses Gorilla Glass Victus which is durable for added screen protection whereas the Pura 70 has unknown screen protection. |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Gravity, RGB | The S21 Ultra has a barometer for more environmental readings while the Pura 70 includes a gravity sensor and RGB sensor which may be useful in particular use cases. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Advantages:
- Sharper Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide a more detailed viewing experience.
- Versatile Camera System: Offers a telephoto + portrait lens, wide-angle + macro lens, along with 8K video recording and laser autofocus, providing greater flexibility for various photography and video needs.
- Superior Audio: Hi-Res audio, noise cancellation microphone, and advanced Bluetooth profiles for enhanced audio quality and clearer calls.
- Software Support: Guaranteed Android updates up to version 15, ensuring long-term software support and access to new features.
- Screen Protection: Uses Gorilla Glass Victus which is durable and provides superior protection.
Huawei Pura 70 Advantages:
- Brighter Display: Significantly higher brightness makes it much more visible under direct sunlight.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging and 50W wireless charging provide much quicker recharge times than the S21 Ultra.
- Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle and more pocketable due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
- Wider Aperture Lenses: Standard camera and telephoto lens with wider apertures allow more light to enter the sensor, leading to improved low light performance.
- More Internal Storage Option: Has a 1TB option and a higher starting storage capacity.
- Superior Location Accuracy: Support for more global satellite systems provides more accurate positioning.
Trade-offs:
- S21 Ultra: Larger size and heavier weight, slower charging speed, and potentially lower low-light camera performance compared to the Pura 70's primary sensor.
- Pura 70: Lower display resolution and pixel density, no Telephoto + portrait lens, lacks a macro lens, and uncertain software update path, lacks some higher quality bluetooth profiles.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G Ideal Users:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Those who enjoy watching high-resolution videos, playing visually demanding games, and want high-quality audio.
- Photography and Videography Professionals: Users who need versatile camera features, 8K video, and laser autofocus.
- Users Requiring a Reliable Ecosystem: People already invested in the Samsung ecosystem who value software updates and Samsung specific features.
Specific Use Cases:
- Content Creators: Excellent for capturing high-quality video and detailed photos and benefit from higher quality audio recording.
- Gamers: The sharper screen and more RAM (optional 16GB variant) offer a great gaming experience.
- Frequent Travelers: Can be used for navigation, and a detailed camera experience.
Huawei Pura 70 Ideal Users:
- Outdoor Users: Those who frequently use their phone in bright sunlight and prioritize screen visibility.
- Users Who Value Convenience: People who need fast charging and prefer a lightweight phone, while still retaining high performance.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want great low light performance and a large sensor while still retaining high zoom capability.
Specific Use Cases:
- Travelers/Photographers: Great in low light and excellent battery life make it useful for traveling, hiking and outdoor activities.
- Business Professionals: Fast charging allows it to be charged quickly during the work day, the compact design allows it to easily fit in a bag or pocket.
- Everyday Users: Its balance of high performance, fast charging, and good camera make it a great everyday phone.
Price-to-Value Ratio:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G: If available on the used market for a reasonable price, it provides a great feature set at a low price.
- Huawei Pura 70: If available at a good price, it provides a great balance of high-end features, excellent display visibility, and fast charging.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- How important is outdoor screen visibility? If you frequently use your phone under bright sunlight, the Pura 70's significantly higher brightness is a key advantage.
- Do you prioritize camera versatility or low-light performance? The S21 Ultra offers more camera features, while the Pura 70 excels in low light.
- How much do you value charging speed and portability? The Pura 70 offers faster charging and is more compact, while the S21 Ultra is larger and heavier with slower charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Professional Photography/Videography: Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G for its 8K video, versatile lenses, and more robust feature set.
- Scenario 2: Outdoor Enthusiast/Traveler: Choose the Huawei Pura 70 for its brighter screen, superior location accuracy, fast charging, and excellent low light performance.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User Balancing Performance and Convenience: The Huawei Pura 70 is recommended for its blend of fast charging, lighter design, and great low-light performance.
- Scenario 4: Multimedia Consumption and Gaming: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G excels in display quality, and additional RAM variants are available for high performance gaming.
What I would choose and why
Personally, I would choose the Huawei Pura 70. Here's why:
- Brighter Display: The higher brightness is a significant advantage for me because I often use my phone outdoors. This would make the phone easier to use under any conditions.
- Faster Charging: As someone who doesn't like being tethered to a wall for long periods, the significantly faster charging is a feature that is very useful.
- Compact and Light Design: The Pura 70 is more comfortable to hold and carry, which is important for daily use. This would help me use the phone for long periods of time without fatigue.
- Superior Low-light Performance: I often find myself in low-light environments, and the wider aperture of the main camera would lead to better image quality and less noise.
- Better Location Accuracy: This is essential for travel and general navigation, especially in urban environments.
Although the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G has a sharper display and a more versatile camera, the practical benefits of the Pura 70, such as its superior outdoor visibility, faster charging, and more convenient size, align better with my needs. Additionally, the lack of information surrounding the Huawei Pura 70's OS is not a large issue for me as I do not usually require consistent updates and have no issues with using a custom OS.
